Lifeline is running a one-day workshop at Avoca Beach Surf Club looking at basic skills for dealing with people in crisis.
Accidental Counsellor Foundations will be on October 21 between 9am and 4.30pm.
In community services work, people can often be the first point of contact for someone in crisis needing immediate assistance.
Even without a formal qualification in counselling, this workshop provides the basic skills and tools to be able to step into the shoes of an accidental counsellor momentarily, to respond appropriately and effectively to people in crisis or distress when there may not be a professional immediately available.
Participants will leave with a toolbox of basic counselling techniques, frameworks on how to engage with a person needing support and how to provide the necessary support, and a greater understanding of how to communicate more effectively during a challenging time in someone’s life.
During the one-day workshop, participants are asked to reflect on personal values and beliefs and how they influence interactions with others.
How people respond will create an impact on the person in need of support or assistance and often determine the outcome of those interactions.
Cost is $325. Inquiries to Kristina.lawrence@lifeline.org.au